Arsenio returning to late-night in 2013

After a more than 20-year hiatus, Arsenio Hall, the host who made barking popular, will be returning to late-night TV.

“We’re excited to welcome Arsenio back to the family and partnering on his new, late-night syndicated talk show,” said John Nogawski, president of CBSTVD.

Since his win on the latest “Celebrity Apprentice,” there had been buzz that Arsenio might return to host another TV series. The comedian already etched a place in TV history for his ‘90s show, which lasted for five years.

“Arsenio had a substantial following with his previous late-night show,” John said. “Years ago, he transcended time periods and attracted a crossover audience while bringing a fresh perspective to late night. That same need in the market exists today.”

Arsenio was one of the first African Americans to host his own late-night talk show. Since then, Mo’Nique and Latino comic George Lopez both hosted late-night shows on cable networks. Neither lasted more than two seasons.

That’s not to suggest there’s a shortage of late-night fare. David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel, Jon Stewart and Conan O’Brien are just a few after-hours hosts, and of course, Jay Leno still presides over NBC’s “The Tonight Show.”

However, Arsenio doesn’t seem worried about his competition.

“I know there are a lot of shows, but I think there’s a space for my show,” he said.

At one point, there was speculation that Arsenio would return to TV in a daytime slot, but he seems pleased with the decision to come back to a post-primetime slot.

“It’s an amazing feeling to be going home to my old friends and colleagues and firing up our ‘Night Thing,’” Arsenio said. “Let’s get busy … again!”

The new show is slated to premiere in September 2013.

Find out who Arsenio would want to interview first. Watch.

Take a look at Arsenio, Oprah Winfrey, Mo’Nique and other Black talk-show hosts.